Released: 2023
“Coal” by Dylan Gossett dives deep into the struggles of enduring life’s hardships, threading a narrative of emotional turmoil and the search for meaning amidst loss and loneliness. Gossett uses vivid imagery and personal reflections to spell out a story that resonates with anyone who’s felt the heavy hand of life pressing down on them.
The opening lines, “Well, I remember what you told me/Said drinking was unholy/So Lord, can you point me to the creek?” immediately set the scene of someone grappling with advice once given to them, now questioning the past and seeking solace, possibly in nature or in a higher power, as they deal with the memories and messages left by a significant other. The mention of a creek could symbolize a longing for purity or a fresh start amidst the turmoil of life and love lost.
As Gossett moves through the verse, he paints a portrait of perseverance and weariness with the lines, “And through unfavored weather/And holes in the leather/These boots still covered in tar.” It’s a reflection on continuing the journey despite the wear and tear of life’s challenges, symbolized by weathered boots tarred by the path walked so far. The imagery here is rich in the tradition of country music, where physical items often stand in for deeper emotional truths.
The chorus, “They say pressure makes diamonds/How the hell am I still coal?” is a poignant rumination on personal growth—or the perceived lack thereof—in the face of adversity. It’s a common saying that hardships are supposed to transform us into something more beautiful and resilient, akin to coal becoming a diamond under pressure. Gossett is expressing frustration and confusion about feeling stuck in the raw, painful stage of his development despite everything he’s endured.
Gossett then delves into encounters with the metaphysical, “Now I’ve seen Heaven without dyin’/Met the devil without tryin’.” This suggests a personal journey that has brushed with the extremes of good and evil, happiness and despair, perhaps hinting at moments of epiphany or deep depression without ever leaving this earthly existence. It’s a testament to the range of human experience, especially when navigating the rough seas of personal growth and self-discovery.
The narrative progresses to a turning point marked by a specific memory, “And every day is gettin’ colder, since that day in October/When you told me it was over, so I left.” October stands as a metaphor for change, the moment when everything started to fall apart, emphasizing the personal impact of a breakup and the onset of a colder, lonelier existence. This pushes the theme of searching for hope and renewal, perhaps through small miracles like finding a four-leaf clover, despite the overarching feeling of being lost.
In summary, “Coal” by Dylan Gossett is a deeply introspective piece that navigates the tumultuous waters of personal growth, love lost, and the quest for meaning. Through vivid storytelling and relatable imagery, Gossett explores the human condition in the face of adversity, questioning why, despite all the pressure, he feels unchanged—still coal, not yet a diamond. This song taps into universal themes of struggle, resilience, and the enduring hope for transformation, making it a resonant piece for anyone who’s ever felt weighed down by the trials of life.
